Now it all comes down to you - and your vote

Months of narrowing the field. More months of plans announced, rallies and speeches. The days have been filled with campaign news - and rhetoric - all leading up to today, Election Day.

Today Americans will vote to elect the next president of the United States. By all accounts, the race between President Bush and democratic nominee Sen. John Kerry is close - very close. It's been a hotly contested race as they say, and many more would say down-right nasty. Regardless, the stakes are indeed high, and we need your vote, no matter how you intend to cast it.

There also are plenty of other candidates and issues to consider on this year's ballot, from state representative to U.S. representative. Our state offers two ballot proposals, and some townships and villages have their own ballot issues.

Our democracy works when we participate in it. Don't get caught on the sidelines this time around. Exercise your right, your responsibility. The polls are open until 8 p.m.